Congress spokesperson Tom Vadakkan hit out at Fadnavis, saying that the exhibition of films is guided by the Cinematographic Act that permits screening after clearance by the Censor Board rather than through intimidation by "goons." Blaming Fadnavis for failing to perform duty of upholding the law and maintaining law and order, Tom said it was not surprising that the Army itself had rejected this "blood money."

"The BJP is using the MNS to overshadow the Shiv Sena in all this drama. As far as it is a political move, we are fine with it. But dragging the Indian Army into this for political gains is not only wrong but deplorable," Sanjay Nirupam, Mumbai Congress unit chief was quoted saying by The Hindu while criticizing Fadnavis.

Nirupam said that the Army's decision to reject 'extortion money' is a tight slap on the face of the MNS and the BJP. "The question is who will now benefit from this extortion racket? Is it for MNS' election funding or for BJP," asked Nirupam.